Ex-England man thinks job is a stitch up.
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Former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey believes that Alan Pardew is being made a mockery of by the club, talkSPORT reports.
The Magpies lack of strength in depth was highlighted by a rampant Manchester City on Monday as the runners up romped to a 4-0 victory, and fans have already begun to question whether the club can stand by their vow to improve on last term’s 16th place finish – especially after such a quiet transfer window.
On loan striker Loic Remy was missing through injury, whilst midfield maestro Yohan Cabaye was omitted after having his head turned by a £10 million bid from Arsenal.
And Howey believes the manager has had his hands tied by owner Mike Ashley and Director of Football Joe Kinnear, who are both stopping him from performing his job properly.
“Pardew looks fed up, he’s on his own,” Howey said.
“It looks as though he’s being hung out to dry.
“The owner is basically saying: ‘It’s my team, I own the club, you get on with it’, and whoever is in that situation will really struggle.
“His hands have been tied, and if Alan Pardew does get the sack it would be horrendous for Newcastle.
“When a manager gets sacked, at least they can turn around and say they did it their way.
“But he doesn’t really have a say in what goes on at the club at all, apart from picking the team.”